Friday, October 31, 2008

HALLOWEEN/ALL SAINTS DAY...

Last year around this time, I wasn't doing a blog or reading them...so I have really enjoyed seeing ideas and getting suggestions from others about how they celebrated the Liturgical Year. Even my husband has ideas about this...and yes, I would love to have twins!!!

By no means do I judge others on the way they celebrate with their families...I have a hard enough time getting my own family to heaven, so I can't tell you how to get yours there!!! We all need to pray for wisdom for each other!!!

When my husband and I make decisions we try to accomplish the following:
*To make it fun being catholic
*What works best for our family as a whole
*Do we spend as much time celebrating the true holiday or feast as opposed to the secular way?

When we first got married we were in a community of Catholics who were trying to find alternatives to celebrating Halloween. They would sponsor and support All Saints Day parties, so that is where we hung out.

Then when we moved down the road...we started going to our friends house for pizza and fun with the little guys...as our family grew...we started having friends at our house. We didn't give out candy at that house because the street we lived on was a huge target for teenagers who just wanted candy and who were usually dressed in disgusting costumes. We have some very sensitive children and seeing something like that would of really scared them...

We now live in another neighborhood where the kids who come to trick or treat are so cute and usually dressed like Cinderella or firemen...so we have no problem giving out treats with holy cards attached...We don't let the kids trick or treat...it really wouldn't be a family event...mom would have to stay home with the babies...dad would have to drag out the others in the cold...and be watchful for who opens the door...is it a nice old lady or a person dressed in a scary witch costume that would freak out some of my kids?

We still have groups of people who come here to our house...everyone brings candy and the kids play games, have fun, and the best time of the night is the great trade off...this is where all the kids get their goody bags and set up shop...they find a spot to dump out their candy and trade...it is so funny to hear the kids..."I give you 2 dum dums for your snickers!!!"

We have a great time...and even thou, this neighborhood would be safe for my kids to trick or treat...at this time we stick with our original party...supporting other families who don't have this kind of neighborhood...

So, Have great Feast Day!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

daily meditation...

I am meditating on the words the Monsignor said as I left mass this morning...may you strive for the perfection from the graces you have just received!!!!

Oh Lord...I try to live to be the person you created me to be...

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, October 30, 2008

people say the funniest things...

After my funny post on my daughter...I realized that most people want to hear my funny stories!!! Although, my "rule" for blogging is meditation first!!! So I try to journal my daily meditation. As of now, it is the IMITATION OF CHRIST.

Since that is done...I thought I would share some funny stories from this week:

5 year old daughter:

We watched Your Mine and Ours...Not the original, which isn't as great as the book, but the new one. We bought Clean films for a couple of years before they closed down due to trying to find movies for a family with old and young kids!!! One of the scenes they didn't cut out, was when the dad was on a blind date in the restaurant and his date said she was going to "hit the head". I really didn't notice that the kids got it...my dad always said it growing up. Well, little princess heard it and announced to me days later that she told our very sweet, quite, conservative neighbors daughter that she was going to hit the head!!! Then I looked at her and said that wasn't very proper and the neighbors probably wouldn't like her saying that...I just rolled in laughter and called my hubby!!!

Christian Lady from a soccer game:"So how many kids do you have now?"
Me: "we have eleven."
Lady: "wow, you don't have incontinence?"
Me with a shocked look on my face: "well, actually I am doing quit fine...my midwife says I am very strong."
Lady: "wow, do you think you will have more?"
Me: "we hope to!!!"
Lady: "well, that is great." and she leaves with a strange look on her face...either inconceivable or admiration...I'm going for inconceivable !!!

My kids try to get candy for everything...I finished a book, I helped my sister, I did my jobs, I am breathing...especially my 6 year old son...he comes to me about once a day with some new excuse for why he should get a piece of candy...yesterday he tried this one:

6 year old son: "Mom, I'm bored."
Mom: looking at him like...you know "bored" is a bad word in our family...
6 year old son: "can I have candy?"
Mom: "no, but nice try"
6 year old son: walks away with a smirky smile...

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Seventh Chapter
Grace Must Be Hidden Under the Mantle of Humility
The Voice of Christ (part three)

He who gives himself up entirely to enjoyment acts very unwisely, for he forgets his former helplessness and that chastened fear of the Lord (respect) which dreads to lose a proffered grace. Nor is he very brave or wise who becomes too despondent in times of adversity and difficulty and thinks less confidently of Me than he should. He who wishes to be too secure in time of peace will often become too dejected and fearful in time of trial. (find balance!!!)

If you were wise enough to remain always humble and small in your own eyes, and to restrain and rule your spirit well, you would not fall so quickly into danger and offense.
(what is a danger in our lives? food, wasted time, pride, insensitivity, clutter...)

Dearest Lord, my savior and best friend. Please grant me an abundance of wisdom, purity, and self control. Let me see when I am falling and hold on to the many graces you have showered on me.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Guest Blogger: Rachel Watkins...

Some thoughts from Rachel:

"Long time ago, the Men of the Mountain swore an oath to the last king of Gondor to come to his aid to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire they fled vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. So Islidur cursed them never to rest until they fulfilled their pledge." - Legolas. The Return of the King, as they enter Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountains to gain the help of the Army of the Dead.

Our family has a great devotion to the Holy Souls of Purgatory, and as we pass any cemetery we always say, "Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine on their souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed. May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace, especially those that have no one to pray for them and those that have been forgotten."

With the upcoming election on my mind, it struck me that these souls, the souls in Purgatory know better than we the power of one vote. They know from their lives already lived, the result of their action - or inaction. I wondered to myself if any of them are waiting to see God, fulfilling their obligation in Purgatory due to a vote they did or did not cast.

I then thought of them as an army of souls waiting for a mission - much like the Men of the Mountain from The Return of the King. They would welcome a chance to fulfill their oath, see the face of God, given a new mission to fulfill. So, I recruited them.

With the Feast of All Souls (and Saints) coinciding with this most important election I thought that we might storm the gates of heaven with the soul of purgatory for this election. Perhaps they will tip the balance, so to speak, just as they did in the movie. Perhaps they will be able to clear the path to the White House just as they cleared the White City. With this army of believers, together with our own efforts, may God's will be done.

Perhaps our family's could join in praying the following:

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world
today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus "

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

It has been awhile since I did my meditation on the Imitation of Christ. To better understand this (part two) of The Voice of Christ, I needed to reread part one...

IT IS better and safer for you to conceal the grace of devotion, not to be elated by it, not to speak or think much of it, and instead to humble yourself and fear lest it is being given to one unworthy of it. Do not cling too closely to this affection, for it may quickly be changed to its opposite. When you are in grace, think how miserable and needy you are without it. Your progress in spiritual life does not consist in having the grace of consolation, but in enduring its withdrawal with humility, resignation, and patience, so that you neither become listless in prayer nor neglect your other duties in the least; but on the contrary do what you can do as well as you know how, and do not neglect yourself completely because of your dryness or anxiety of mind.

There are many, indeed, who immediately become impatient and lazy when things do not go well with them. The way of man, however, does not always lie in his own power. It is God's prerogative to give grace and to console when He wishes, as much as He wishes, and whom He wishes, as it shall please Him and no more.



The Seventh Chapter
Grace Must Be Hidden Under the Mantle of Humility
The Voice of Christ
(part two)


Some careless persons, misusing the grace of devotion, have destroyed themselves because they wished to do more than they were able. They failed to take account of their own weakness, and followed the desire of their heart rather than the judgment of their reason. Then, because they presumed to greater things than pleased God they quickly lost His grace. They who had built their homes in heaven became helpless, vile outcasts, humbled and impoverished, that they might learn not to fly with their own wings but to trust in Mine.

They who are still new and inexperienced in the way of the Lord may easily be deceived and overthrown unless they guide themselves by the advice of discreet persons. But if they wish to follow their own notions rather than to trust in others who are more experienced, they will be in danger of a sorry end, at least if they are unwilling to be drawn from their vanity. Seldom do they who are wise in their own conceits bear humbly the guidance of others. Yet a little knowledge humbly and meekly pursued is better than great treasures of learning sought in vain complacency. It is better for you to have little than to have much which may become the source of pride.


I can't reiterate how important it is in finding a spiritual guide, director, or confessor is. Of course a priest is ideal, since you have the option many times to go to confession, but any holy person can do. It is important to pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit on who may be the one to ask. I have had many in the past, priest and lay women (mentors) who have offered to be of help in my spiritual progress. If you don't know where to go after much prayer...ask your pastor.

From part one: Your progress in spiritual life does not consist in having the grace of consolation, but in enduring its withdrawal with humility, resignation, and patience.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

BEFORE YOU VOTE:

I know everyone is getting in over there head with political posts...but:

I have a bunch of really great info in this POST...if necessary...read it in parts!!! I know the woman in the story below!!! She and her family are about the sweetest things created!!! I too am blessed to be alive!!! Born in 1968 and adopted by the best family I could ever had...it scares me to think about Obama's extreme feelings about abortion. I know many plan on voting for him...but, please take time to read this information and pass it on to those who need to read it before they make a decision.

This is just a touch in Obama's extremism. He has promised that "the first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act" (known as FOCA). This proposed legislation would create a federally guaranteed "fundamental right" to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, including, as Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia has noted in a statement condemning the proposed Act, "a right to abort a fully developed child in the final weeks for undefined 'health' reasons." (see Susan's story below...) To read the rest of the article above click here.

"I have called you by name, and you are Mine..." Jesus tells us...let's listen to a true story of the difference one decision can make in the lives of many.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“You are my servant, through whom I show my glory… the Lord… formed me as his servant from the womb… I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.” These are the words of the Lord to the prophet Isaiah… and as they are proclaimed through the Liturgy of the Word, they also are in some way meant for us, too. They remind us that as Christians, and as humanity, beings created in the image and likeness of God, we have all have a purpose in life… that life indeed is such a gift.

***This is from a prolife homily:

This week you will read and hear in the media (if you so choose) about the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in our nation. One of the many beautiful things about the Catholic Church is that she has always stood firm in proclaiming that life is a gift – a sacred and precious gift from God – and that all life – from life in the womb to the life of the elderly, no matter what race or culture – is sacred and holy, and demands our love.

I want to segue from this point into a true story that brings this point home. This story (it’s true!) is about a woman named Susan, who at the age of twenty was a self-described “hippie-on-the-run.” She had ran away from home in her late teens, and at 20, became pregnant from her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was abusive toward her, and so she ended up fleeing from him and found herself homeless and alone. The people that Susan did end up “hanging with in the next few months all told her that the “best thing” for her to do was to have an abortion. So finally she became persuaded, and around the end of the first trimester, 3 to 4 months, Susan decided to go to an abortion clinic. So she went… and while she waited in the waiting room for her turn, at some point she said for seemingly no reason that she could remember, she felt an urge to just get up and walk out. And so she left, and later resolved that she was going to bear the child, and bring this child to birth, to life. Well, she remained homeless with nowhere to live, and sometimes went for days without food… and had no pre-natal care during all of this time. Finally at seven months, she had labor pains and went into the hospital one September evening and gave birth to a beautiful, tiny child, James or “Jimmy” born at 10:24 pm, weighing exactly 2 pounds 13 oz.

Well, the story continues… after her child birth, Susan was being wheeled in her bed into another room to be cared for, and an intern was examining her, and found her to be bleeding… and, as he felt her belly, his face turned an ashen gray, and he said “You have another baby… there’s another baby in there!” Susan laughed. “Impossible!” she insisted.

So… Susan was rushed back to the delivery room, and it was determined that the second child in womb was coming out shoulder first, which of course is dangerous… and it got to a point of crisis where the doctor after whom the hospital was named – Dr. Hadley – was called in. After about an hour of the doctor’s work of turning the child… at 12:09 am on September 11, 1965, a beautiful little red-haired, blue-eyed girl was born, 2 pounds 4 ounces. But there was one problem: her lungs weren’t working… she wasn’t breathing.

So Dr. Hadley immediately began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the child. He went for fifteen minutes, a half-hour… still no breathing… and keep in mind that even after mere minutes without breath and life, brain damage and all kinds of problems can set in. Well, he went on… 45 minutes – no breath. Meanwhile, Susan, the mother, is mere feet away, watching all of this in great pain as she is nearly bleeding to death. Dr. Hadley continued for an hour… still no breath. But… he didn’t give up!

He went for an hour and a half… and finally little “Nancy Susan” started to breath. She had life! Susan, her mother, survived the bleeding and was healed – and, thanks to a persistent doctor who breathed life into her little girl and wouldn’t settle for anything less than life, she was suddenly the mother of two brand new twins [both of whom were very tiny but perfectly healthy – even little “Nancy Susan”!] *

The epilogue to this story is that little Jimmy and little Susan were given up by their mother for adoption, and they both grew up in Maryland, out in Frederick County. Jimmy is married and lives in West Virginia now. Little Susan is very happily married and is the mother of nine children. A few years ago, after some reflection, she felt a need to contact her birth mother. When I asked her why, she simply said that she felt that her mother “needed to know… and to be healed.” So with the help of an adoption organization called, ALMA, she was able to find where her grandmother was – she was in California – and call for her. So after some time and taking many deep breaths, she got up the nerve and picked up the phone and called out to her.

Well, her grandmother answered the phone and they chatted but a few minutes. The Grandmother had the best voice ever and it was so easy to talk to her, smiling the whole time – so she left a message for her to give her number to Susan, whom she spoke to each Sunday. (Susan did not tell her who she was…the grandma may not even know she existed?) But after she hung up, she realized that when the woman had asked her name, she had simply told her “Susan” – she went by her middle name – and so she called her back about ten minutes later and told her “My name is Nancy Susan.”

And then there was a pause, and a gasp on the other end of the line… and then her grandmother replied, “I knew it was you! When you called and I heard your voice, I just knew it was you…!” She remembered that her daughter had named her “Nancy Susan… and they talked for quite some time… and then her grandmother told her that she would gladly tell her daughter that she called and she would ask her to call back that weekend.

So that weekend, the grandmother called little Susan and told her that she had given the news to Susan… and that she was “getting herself together” and that she would call her in a few minutes once that happened. And so about ten minutes later, little Nancy Susan’s phone rang. “Hello” she answered…

There was a short pause, and then the voice on the other end of the line said “Susan? It’s your mom…”

And just a few weeks later, they were joyfully reunited at BWI airport when her mother came to the East Coast to visit her.

I shared that story not only because it is a touching one but also because it teaches us a lot. There are a lot of “What if’s?” in this story. For example, what if Susan, the mother, had not left that abortion clinic that day?

What if the intern had not quickly discovered that little Susan was also in the womb and hadn’t called the doctor for help? And… what if Dr. Hadley – who, by the way, himself died less than a month later – what if Dr. Hadley had chosen after about a half an hour or so to just give up? But in each of these instances – they chose life!

And the fruits of their decisions are that Jimmy and little Susan have life, the mother Susan has been healed, (as well as her whole family) and Susan has a husband and a family of nine beautiful children who are brightening up our world. And… this is how all of this has impacted me personally: Susan and her husband were the ones who introduced me to the Catholic faith, the instruments God used to bring me here, and the fruit of it is that now… the Church has gained a priest because of it!

This true story illustrates some very important points:

· Abortion is never the right choice – it is always wrong – and life always is – no matter what the circumstances. We need to take a stand for this truth!

· We are wise to learn what the Church teaches on all life issues – to learn and to live them.

· We need to be like Dr. Hadley – to be persistent, and when the temptations may come to give up, to hang in there – and to not settle for anything less than life.

· Prayer is the first necessary task. Who knows how many “Susan’s” may walk out of an abortion office because of our prayers.

· And lastly, we need to be agents of Christ’s mercy. If you know someone who has had an abortion, this person needs to know: God forgives. He is so willing to forgive and give you healing, of hearts and consciences. He wants to heal you. So come… come to the Church, talk to a priest, don’t be afraid, he is here for you and wants you to embrace the mercy of Christ.


As we go forth today, may we remember these beautiful words of Pope John Paul II:

“All human life is precious because it is the gift of a God whose love is infinite – and when God gives life, it is forever!”

Today Responsoral Psalm from mass...

I do plan on getting back to the IMITATION OF CHRIST for my morning meditations...I just can't stop hearing the Holy Spirit speak on the importance of this coming election.

So, after hearing today's responsoral psalm: I couldn't leave it alone.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 19:2-3, 4-5


R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.


R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.


R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Monday, October 27, 2008

Today Readings from mass...

In light of the upcoming election...I thought that these readings from scripture for daily mass were very inspiring...

Reading 1
Eph 4:32–5:8

Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones,
no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place,
but instead, thanksgiving.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person,
that is, an idolater,
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
So do not be associated with them.
For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. (see Eph. 5:1)
Behave like God as his very dear children.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.


THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Sunday, October 26, 2008

WEEKENDS=FAT!!!

I have been trying soooo hard to loose weight...I actually lost 4lbs and one pant size....but, if you saw my Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe yesterday, you know I had a fattening weekend. It started Saturday when my daughter came home from college and made a chocolate cake with our families favorite Peanut Butter Frosting...of course I had to lick the bowl, the spoon, the dish, the beaters, the knife...do I need to say more???

We were having my daughters boyfriend's family over for his birthday...it was a first time visit... It went well...they were very nice...we aren't sure if they came to meet us or see the freak show of a family with 11 kids? His family is from Chile and his mother showed up with Chilean desserts!!! The cake looked like a huge candy bar...tasted like one too, than she made these cookies that were simply amazing...needless to say...Saturday Night = 1 1/2 lbs...Today we all went out to eat with my father in love for Chinese Buffet...that probably totaled at least another pound.

NOT to mention my "mom eating disorder" which entails me eating EVERYONE'S LEFTOVERS...that would be: ten kids (#11 would be my son away in the seminary...you think I would of lost weight with my son away...but, I use my missing him another reason to eat) left over cake, cookies, ice cream, hamburger, french fries, peanut butter chocolate cake, and what ever is within reach!!!

Back to the tread mill in the morning...

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Saturday, October 25, 2008

peanut butter frosting...amazing!!!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 tablespoons butter (1 stick) at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar sifted
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Place the peanut butter and butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy, 30 seconds. Stop the machine. Add the confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and the vanilla. Blend with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is well combined, 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting lightens and is fluffy. Blend in up to 1 tablespoon milk if the frosting seems to stiff.

Psalm 27

~ Trust in God

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh,
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though and army encamp against me, my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.

One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord's beauty, to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.

Hear my voice, Lord, when I call;
Have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face";
your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger.
You are my help; do not cast me off;
do not forsake me, God my savior!
Even if my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me in.

Lord, show me your way;
lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes;
malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!

Amen.

Friday, October 24, 2008

FRUIT THAT WILL LAST...

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." John 15:16

Oh, Lord that I will bear the fruit that will last and do YOUR HOLY WILL!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, October 23, 2008

HIRED HELP...

HIRED HELP…
People frequently ask me if I have help…I usually say yes; an amazing husband who helps with cooking and grocery shopping, and teenagers who watch the kids, not to mention the endless hands in the house that do chores.
Of course there is my very helpful family, especially my single sister who lives close by and my wonderful (I got the best) mother in love!!! They are my right hands...
One of my best qualities (sorry to sound conceded) is that I have no problem asking for help!!! Maybe it is the youngest kid in me… (I am the baby of 9) I have come to accept that it is my job is to give others grace by service…(or just serving me…)I also have convinced others that I am trying to save the earth, conserve energy, and help the pollution problem by asking others to help me out with carpool!!! They fall for it all the time…God Bless their generous souls. My kids even made a Mother’s Day “Carpool Mom” sign for a friend of mine who drove them everywhere!!!
Well, years ago my very poor and generous mom thought she would do me the FAVOR OF A LIFE TIME and offer to pay for my kids to go to the local Catholic School down the street. In astonishment I had to explain that first of all, Catholic School isn’t $20 a family like it was in the old days, and secondly and most importantly…I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING and I wouldn’t stop for all the money in the world!!! Yes, there are days…lots of days…that I second guess myself and wonder what in the world I am doing!!! What I was thinking!!! Wondering how much damage I am causing!!! But the best advice I can give is to talk with your spouse and decide together, WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY AS A WHOLE?!?! Even if you think that one would do great in the school down the street, and another would do great here…you have to remember how it will affect everyone, down to the nursing baby that will be dragged around carpool, to the toddler who won’t get to spend special time with their older siblings due to being gone all day…homework all night, etc…
Back to hired help: So, my sister, who knows and appreciates my homeschooling, suggested to my mom to send some money my way to help hire someone to come in and help me…at first we had a Sister from Nigeria, then a single mom and her daughter, then a friend(we call her Mary Poppins), now a retired homeschool mom who has decided to start a ministry to help homeschoolers for cheap!!! ($5 an hour) I have asked her on a daily basis to move in full time, but her husband won’t let her!!! She is just what I prayed for…I have the school books laid out and she sits and helps the kindergartner and the second grader. I clean and play with the one and two year old. (Really the two year old is on her lap as much as possible) We just love her and we all get so much done when she is here. She usually comes twice a week from about 8:30-10:30am.
So my advice is…pray hard for someone to help!!! Relative, neighbor, friend, god parent, etc…they are out there just waiting for you to ask. Have a list of needs, so when the old lady from mass comes up to ask if there is anything she can do for you, you can look her in the eyes and say, “yes, thank you. Can you come over and read to my two year old? How about picking up some milk for me the next time you are at the grocery store, or could you please take this to the post office for me?” Yes, I do that!!! So, when you ask me how I do it…

THIS IS WHAT I WILL SAY!!!
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Mt.7:7
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Lk. 11:9

It is even in the bible twice to remind us!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Seventh Chapter
Grace Must Be Hidden Under the Mantle of Humility
The Voice of Christ


IT IS better and safer for you to conceal the grace of devotion, not to be elated by it, not to speak or think much of it, and instead to humble yourself and fear lest it is being given to one unworthy of it. Do not cling too closely to this affection, for it may quickly be changed to its opposite. When you are in grace, think how miserable and needy you are without it. Your progress in spiritual life does not consist in having the grace of consolation, but in enduring its withdrawal with humility, resignation, and patience, so that you neither become listless in prayer nor neglect your other duties in the least; but on the contrary do what you can do as well as you know how, and do not neglect yourself completely because of your dryness or anxiety of mind.

There are many, indeed, who immediately become impatient and lazy when things do not go well with them. The way of man, however, does not always lie in his own power. It is God's prerogative to give grace and to console when He wishes, as much as He wishes, and whom He wishes, as it shall please Him and no more.


(I guess I need to work on Humility...I pride myself in a good meditation, boosting in the consolations I receive...hmmm, I must make sure to appreciate the grace so when I can't feel it, I don't get restless and impatient. So to that I don't neglect my other duties in the least; but on the contrary do what I can do as well as I know how.)

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Sixth Chapter
The Proving of a True Lover (part three)

Do not believe him or heed him, even though he often sets traps to deceive you. When he suggests evil, unclean things, accuse him. Say to him: "Away, unclean spirit! Shame, miserable creature! You are but filth to bring such things to my ears. Begone, most wretched seducer! You shall have no part in me, for Jesus will be my strength, and you shall be confounded. I would rather die and suffer all torments than consent to you. Be still! Be silent! Though you bring many troubles upon me I will have none of you. The Lord is my light, my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Though armies unite against me, my heart will not fear, for the Lord is my Helper, my Redeemer."

Fight like a good soldier and if you sometimes fall through weakness, rise again with greater strength than before, trusting in My most abundant grace. But beware of vain complacency and pride. For many are led into error through these faults and sometimes fall into almost perpetual blindness. Let the fall of these, who proudly presume on self, be a warning to you and a constant incentive to humility.

When it comes to thoughts of the devil and how he tempts others I turn to St. Michael for help, then on a human level I go to the many stories of St John Baptist Vianney.

This was one I had never heard:


This fact was reported by one of his penitents, a young lady who was a Daughter of Mary. She went to confession to the Curé of Ars. After she knelt, he began to tell her events from her past life.
- Do you remember that you went to a ball on such-and-such occasion?
- Yes, I remember.
- Do you remember that at a certain moment a handsome young man entered the ballroom. He was quite elegant, appeared very upright and danced with several young ladies?
- Yes, I do.
- Do you recall that you had a great desire to dance with him?
- I recall that.
- Do you recollect that you became sad because he didn’t ask you to dance?
- Yes, I do.
- Do you remember that by chance you looked down at his feet and saw a strange blue light coming from them?
- Yes. I remember.

Until now, everything he described to the young lady came from his gift of discernment, because naturally he knew nothing of her past. Then, he made the astonishing revelation:

- That young man was none other than the devil who had taken that shape to tempt several of the young women there. He was unable to approach you because you are a Daughter of Mary protected by her, and you were wearing the Miraculous Medal.



Some other accounts:
The Devil told St. John Vianney, "If there were three such priests as you, my kingdom [in France] would be ruined."

But, the devil did not want St. John Vianney to continue his ministery; some estimate that St. John Vianney saved 25,000 souls. And for this the devil frequently tormented St. John Vianney when he tried to get his 2-3 hours of sleep a night.

St. Michael and St. John Vianney PRAY FOR US!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING...

As I clean up stairs...my husband watches the baby!!!

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Sixth Chapter
The Proving of a True Lover (part two)


All is not lost, then, if you sometimes feel less devout than you wish toward Me or My saints. That good and sweet feeling which you sometimes have is the effect of present grace and a certain foretaste of your heavenly home. You must not lean upon it too much, because it comes and goes. But to fight against evil thoughts which attack you is a sign of virtue and great merit. Do not, therefore, let strange fantasies disturb you, no matter what they concern. Hold strongly to your resolution and keep a right intention toward God.

It is not an illusion that you are sometimes rapt in ecstasy and then quickly returned to the usual follies of your heart. For these are evils which you suffer rather than commit; and so long as they displease you and you struggle against them, it is a matter of merit and not a loss.

You must know that the old enemy tries by all means in his power to hinder your desire for good and to turn you from every devotional practice, especially from the veneration of the saints, from devout meditation on My passion, and from your firm purpose of advancing in virtue. He suggests many evil thoughts that he may cause you weariness and horror, and thus draw you away from prayer and holy reading. A humble confession displeases him and, if he could, he would make you omit Holy Communion.

So, it isn't just me...I am in a great battle for holiness; I must hold firm to my convictions and frequent the sacraments!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Monday, October 20, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

In my Sunday morning rush...I should of read on to see that my meditation yesterday was a conversation with the disciple and Christ...I also am trying a new site to get my meditation on. Same writer and translation, so we will see if I can still get the fast results I had from the last site.

The Sixth Chapter:
The Proving of a True Lover


The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, you are not yet a brave and wise lover.

The Disciple
Why, Lord?

The Voice of Christ
Because, on account of a slight difficulty you give up what you have undertaken and are too eager to seek consolation.

The brave lover stands firm in temptations and pays no heed to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not displeasing to him. The wise lover regards not so much the gift of Him Who loves as the love of Him Who gives. He regards the affection of the Giver rather than the value of the gift, and sets his Beloved above all gifts. The noble lover does not rest in the gift but in Me Who am above every gift.


THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Sunday, October 19, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Sixth Chapter
The Proving of a True Lover

The Voice of Christ


MY CHILD, you are not yet a brave and wise lover.

(that was all for the day...I guess short is sweet and I will meditate on being brave and wise in the ways I love others...especially my family!!!)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fifth Chapter
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love (part Four)

The Disciple


Love is swift, sincere, kind, pleasant, and delightful. Love is strong, patient and faithful, prudent, long-suffering, and manly. Love is never self-seeking, for in whatever a person seeks himself there he falls from love. Love is circumspect, humble, and upright. It is neither soft nor light, nor intent upon vain things. It is sober and chaste, firm and quiet, guarded in all the senses. Love is subject and obedient to superiors. It is mean and contemptible in its own eyes, devoted and thankful to God; always trusting and hoping in Him even when He is distasteful to it, for there is no living in love without sorrow. He who is not ready to suffer all things and to stand resigned to the will of the Beloved is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover must embrace willingly all that is difficult and bitter for the sake of the Beloved, and he should not turn away from Him because of adversities.

I had a very wise mentor when I was first married who gave me some very helpful advice about
1 Corinthians 13; she suggested for an examination on my love to others, (my husband) to put my name everywhere that love was. For example: Love is patient...instead put Sam is patient. It may sound silly but it was (and is) a very helpful exercise in my life!!! I fail miserably at it...but, it keeps me on my knees praying for God's mercy and help!!!

So I thought I would try it with this passage from Imitation of Christ for my meditation today and maybe my new nightly exam.

SAM IS: (FEEL FREE TO COPY AND USE WITH YOUR NAME...)
Swift
Sincere
Kind
Pleasant
Delightful
Strong
Patient
Faithful
Prudent
Long-suffering- enduring injury, trouble, or provocation long and patiently
Never self-seeking
Circumspect- watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent
Humble
Upright
Sober and chaste
Firm and quiet
Guarded in all the senses
Subject and obedient to superiors
Mean and contemptible in its own eyes- deserving of or held in contempt; despicable
Devoted and thankful to God
Trusting and hoping in Him


Thomas a Kempis says it so well:
He who is not ready to suffer all things and to stand resigned to the will of the Beloved is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover must embrace willingly all that is difficult and bitter for the sake of the Beloved, and he should not turn away from Him because of adversities.

This is alot to ponder on a Saturday morning...I think I will use it all weekend and than some...

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+



Friday, October 17, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fifth Chapter
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love

The Disciple (part three)


If a man loves, he will know the sound of this voice. For this warm affection of soul is a loud voice crying in the ears of God, and it says: “My God, my love, You are all mine and I am all Yours. Give me an increase of love, that I may learn to taste with the inward lips of my heart how sweet it is to love, how sweet to be dissolved in love and bathe in it. Let me be rapt in love. Let me rise above self in great fervor and wonder. Let me sing the hymn of love, and let me follow You, my Love, to the heights. Let my soul exhaust itself in praising You, rejoicing out of love. Let me love You more than myself, and let me not love myself except for Your sake. In You let me love all those who truly love You, as the law of love, which shines forth from You, commands.”

Dear Lord, I love you more than anything in this world!!! Help me hear Your voice and share your love with others You have placed in my life!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

MORE INTERNET SAFETY...

This Safety Gameplan for families is a must for every family concerned with the Internet.



THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, October 16, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fifth Chapter: The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love (part two)

Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger or higher or wider; nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller, and nothing better in heaven or on earth, for love is born of God and cannot rest except in God, Who is above all created things.

One who is in love flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free, not bound. He gives all for all and possesses all in all, because he rests in the one sovereign Good, Who is above all things, and from Whom every good flows and proceeds. He does not look to the gift but turns himself above all gifts to the Giver. (I think it was St. Augustine who said, "Our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee")

Love often knows no limits but overflows all bounds. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of troubles, attempts more than it is able, and does not plead impossibility, because it believes that it may and can do all things. For this reason, it is able to do all, performing and effecting much where he who does not love fails and falls. (perfect job description for a mom!!!)

Love is watchful. Sleeping, it does not slumber. Wearied, it is not tired. Pressed, it is not straitened. Alarmed, it is not confused, but like a living flame, a burning torch, it forces its way upward and passes unharmed through every obstacle. (again...perfect job description for a mom!!!)

MORE INTERNET SAFETY...

If you think your child is breaking the rules you have set for the internet, here is some more advice.

St Michael protect our dear young ones!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

MORE INTERNET SAFETY...

I guess I will be keeping a file on all the info I find for the Internet Safety Night our town is hosting...So be patient with me as I share all this material!!!

EWTN-tonight...

From my buddy Mau: FYI for all who may get EWTN:Thursday night, Life on the Rock will host Billy Valentine, who will discuss How Real Catholics Vote.Check out the program here.

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fifth Chapter
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love

The Disciple
I BLESS You, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for having condescended to remember me, a poor creature. Thanks to You, O Father of mercies, God of all consolation, Who with Your comfort sometimes refresh me, who am not worthy of it. I bless You always and glorify You with Your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, forever and ever.


Ah, Lord God, my holy Lover, when You come into my heart, all that is within me will rejoice. You are my glory and the exultation of my heart. You are my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation. But because my love is as yet weak and my virtue imperfect, I must be strengthened and comforted by You. Visit me often, therefore, and teach me Your holy discipline. Free me from evil passions and cleanse my heart of all disorderly affection so that, healed and purified within, I may be fit to love, strong to suffer, and firm to persevere.

Love is an excellent thing, a very great blessing, indeed. It makes every difficulty easy, and bears all wrongs with equanimity. For it bears a burden without being weighted and renders sweet all that is bitter. The noble love of Jesus spurs to great deeds and excites longing for that which is more perfect. Love tends upward; it will not be held down by anything low. Love wishes to be free and estranged from all worldly affections, lest its inward sight be obstructed, lest it be entangled in any temporal interest and overcome by adversity.

(This reminds me of a love letter, a love letter to my Lord and Savior!!! Dear Lord Visit me often, so I may be fit to love, strong to suffer, and firm to persevere!!!)

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Is it too early to prepare for Christmas?

Just fell on this and thought maybe I would get a little more organized!!!

Dangers to Blogging...

Once again I fell on this site while looking for resources on Internet Safety for a parish information night...There is tons of info for parents out there. The tricky part is choosing which material to use!!!

May God Bless and protect our families from all HARM!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fourth Chapter
We Must Walk Before God in Humility and Truth (part three)

Some men walk before Me without sincerity. Led on by a certain curiosity and arrogance, they wish to know My secrets and to understand the high things of God, to the neglect of themselves and their own salvation. Through their own pride and curiosity, and because I am against them, such men often fall into great temptations and sins.

Fear the judgments of God! Dread the wrath of the Almighty! Do not discuss the works of the Most High, but examine your sins—in what serious things you have offended and how many good things you have neglected.

Some carry their devotion only in books, some in pictures, some in outward signs and figures. Some have Me on their lips when there is little of Me in their hearts. Others, indeed, with enlightened understanding and purified affections, constantly long for everlasting things; they are unwilling to hear of earthly affairs and only with reluctance do they serve the necessities of nature. These sense what the Spirit of truth speaks within them: for He teaches them to despise earthly things and to love those of heaven, to neglect the world, and each day and night to desire heaven.

(Dear Lord, Forgive my sins and help me to constantly long for everlasting things!!!)




Monday, October 13, 2008

WE NEED TO BE:

Praying for our Husbands...
I will be joining this lovely blog to pray for my amazing husband this month.
Thy Will Be Done!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fourth Chapter
We Must Walk Before God in Humility and Truth (part two)


The Voice of Christ

I shall teach you those things which are right and pleasing to Me. (listen) Consider your sins with great displeasure and sorrow, and never think yourself to be someone because of your good works. (my pride!!!) You are truly a sinner. You are subject to many passions and entangled in them. Of yourself you always tend to nothing. You fall quickly, are quickly overcome, quickly troubled, and quickly undone. You have nothing in which you can glory, but you have many things for which you should think yourself vile, for you are much weaker than you can comprehend. Hence, let none of the things you do seem great to you. Let nothing seem important or precious or desirable except that which is everlasting. (But, what about my family...) Let the eternal truth please you above all things, and let your extreme unworthiness always displease you. Fear nothing, abhor nothing, and fly (escape) nothing as you do your own vices and sins; these should be more unpleasant for you than any material losses.

This is very convicting...especially since I deal with pride and I talk too much...and listen poorly!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Today's gospel reading

Luke 11: 27-28
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fourth Chapter
We Must Walk Before God in Humility and Truth (part one)

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, walk before Me in truth, and seek Me always in the simplicity of your heart. He who walks before Me in truth shall be defended from the attacks of evil, and the truth shall free him from seducers and from the slanders of wicked men. For if the truth has made you free, then you shall be free indeed, and you shall not care for the vain words of men.

The Disciple
O Lord, it is true. I ask that it be with me as You say. Let your truth teach me. Let it guard me, and keep me safe to the end. Let it free me from all evil affection and badly ordered love, and I shall walk with You in great freedom of heart.


(Simplicity is so important...we need to do this in our lives and the lives of our family)
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Friday, October 10, 2008

Birthday Bible Verse:

I haven't seen this before. Did you know that the Bible has a special verse for everyone's birthday?

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Third Chapter
Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many Do Not Heed Them

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, hear My words, words of greatest sweetness surpassing all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of earth. My words are spirit and life, and they are not to be weighed by man’s understanding. They are not to be invoked in vanity but are to be heard in silence, and accepted with all humility and with great affection. (To hear...I have to listen!!!)

The Disciple
“Happy is the man whom Thou admonishest, O Lord, and teachest out of Thy law, to give him peace from the days of evil,”Ps. 93:12.


THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, October 9, 2008

My Daily Meditation...

I interupt this daily meditation of the Imitation of Christ to share one of my all time favorite gospels!!! I got the chance to attend daily mass early this morning and found that it was this amazing gospel...Thank you Jesus for the many gifts you give to us in the sacraments!!!

Gospel
Lk 11:5-13


Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,’ (That is totally me...yes, I am one of those annoying neighbors who asks for things like that...)
and he says in reply from within,
‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.’
(I have awesome neighbors, who practically give me whatever I want and need!!!)
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
(This is my mantra...I have few gifts...but, this as anyone who knows me...is one of my strongest!!! The reason of my survival!!!)
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much
more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”


If this is not one of your strong points...than work on it...you can do much more for the Kingdom of Christ if you leave behind your pride and learn to ask for help...from Christ and from others!!!

Dear Lord, Thank you for always answering my prayers!!! I know I am a spoiled brat and always get what I want, as well as what I need!!! Help me to always be grateful. I am so undeserving of all you give me please bless us with another child as well as the countless others we know who too crave for a baby. AMEN!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Praying for our Husbands...

I will be joining this lovely blog to pray for my amazing husband this month.
Thy Will Be Done!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Second Chapter
Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of Words

The Disciple
"SPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” 1 Kings 3:9. “I am Thy servant. Give me understanding that I may know Thine ordinances" Ps. 118:125. . . . "Incline my heart to Thine ordinances" Ps. 118:36. . . . "Let Thy speech distil as the dew.” Deut. 32:2.


The children of Israel once said to Moses: “Speak thou to us and we will hear thee: let not the Lord speak to us, lest we die.” Exod. 20:19.

Not so, Lord, not so do I pray. Rather with Samuel the prophet I entreat humbly and earnestly: “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” Do not let Moses or any of the prophets speak to me; but You speak, O Lord God, Who inspired and enlightened all the prophets; for You alone, without them, can instruct me perfectly, whereas they, without You, can do nothing. They, indeed, utter fine words, but they cannot impart the spirit. They do indeed speak beautifully, but if You remain silent they cannot inflame the heart. They deliver the message; You lay bare the sense. They place before us mysteries, but You unlock their meaning. They proclaim commandments; You help us to keep them. They point out the way; You give strength for the journey. They work only outwardly; You instruct and enlighten our hearts. They water on the outside; You give the increase.

They cry out words; You give understanding to the hearer.

Let not Moses speak to me, therefore, but You, the Lord my God, everlasting truth, speak lest I die and prove barren if I am merely given outward advice and am not inflamed within; lest the word heard and not kept, known and not loved, believed and not obeyed, rise up in judgment against me.

Speak, therefore, Lord, for Your servant listens. “Thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:69. Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life, for Your praise, Your glory, and Your everlasting honor.


Dear Lord, I know you speak to me always...please let me slow down to listen and do your will!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

PATRON SAINTS...site fixed...

Boy do I love the saints!!! I fell on this site today while looking for the patron of the Philippines. You just click on the letter and find the word...pretty cool. I found out info I never heard of!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSOLATION

The First Chapter
The Inward Conversation of Christ with the Faithful Soul


"I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me.”Ps. 84:9.
Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering, and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice which sounds without, but to the truth which teaches within. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those which are interior. Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are they who long to give their time to God, and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses, so that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. “I am your salvation,” says your Beloved. “I am your peace and your life. Remain with Me and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?” Leave all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain to true happiness.


WOW!!! What a fantastic meditation...no offense...but, I really struggled through the chapters on suffering...it was very hard to find consolation in them. (that was the point-I think) This chapter screams joy and hope to me!!! Just listen to these words again: Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. This one too: ...make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain to true happiness. That is my soul desire!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+


Monday, October 6, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Royal Road of the Holy Cross (part nine...final chapter)

No man is fit to enjoy heaven unless he has resigned himself to suffer hardship for Christ. Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing more helpful for you on this earth than to suffer willingly for Christ. If you had to make a choice, you ought to wish rather to suffer for Christ than to enjoy many consolations, for thus you would be more like Christ and more like all the saints. Our merit and progress consist not in many pleasures and comforts but rather in enduring great afflictions and sufferings.

If, indeed, there were anything better or more useful for man’s salvation than suffering, Christ would have shown it by word and example. But He clearly exhorts the disciples who follow Him and all who wish to follow Him to carry the cross, saying: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.


When, therefore, we have read and searched all that has been written, let this be the final conclusion—that through much suffering we must enter into the kingdom of God.

That says it all!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Rules for dating my daughter...revisited...

After having a conversation at a party with a friend last night it looks like I need to repost my rules on dating... She says, "Regarding dating in junior high and high school, I don't see the purpose in it but I know most kids do it. I know I did it and it caused lots of hurt and grief for me when I was still so young and impressionable." Rules for dating my daughter... RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER feel free to keep this for your own daughter’s dates someday…(my oldest just turned 18-yikes) 1. KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF. a)hand holding and friendly hugs acceptable 2. TREAT HER LIKE A PRINCESS a)hold doors open for her b)pull out her chair c)look for opportunities to spoil her 3. GUARD HER PURITY a)be careful of the movies you watch b)watch out for the music you listen to c)don’t put her in an uncomfortable situation 4. SPEND TIME WITH OUR FAMILY a)we aren’t as bad as we sound b)we would like to get to know you 5. WATCH WHERE YOU TAKE HER a)public places are great b)group dating is better c)don’t be left alone 6. ENTERTAIN HER CREATIVELY a)watching movies is fun, but try something different b)There are tons of free public activities...if you can't find them I will drive! c)going for a walk is nice 7. DRIVE CAREFULLY a)you are driving precious cargo, and I don’t mean your car! 8. BE HER FRIEND FIRST a)treat her the way you would want your sister or future daughter to be treated!!! 9. SUPPORT HER FAITH a)you are always welcome to come to church with us. 10. DID I MENTION KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF? For a funny opinion click here

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

Although you were taken to the third heaven with Paul, you were not thereby insured against suffering. Jesus said: “I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:16 (It kinda sounds like a punishment; it is a gift to share in the sufferings with Christ. I feel sooooo inadequate to talk about suffering...I do know in my tiny discomforts in life...that I some how feel closer and wiser in the end.)

To suffer, then, remains your lot, if you mean to love Jesus and serve Him forever.
If you were but worthy to suffer something for the name of Jesus, what great glory would be in store for you, what great joy to all the saints of God, what great edification to those about you! (I know a few people that suffer silently...just being around them makes me feel closer to Christ.) For all men praise patience though there are few who wish to practice it. (so true!!!)
With good reason, then, ought you to be willing to suffer a little for Christ since many suffer much more for the world.


Realize that you must lead a dying life; the more a man dies to himself, the more he begins to live unto God.

"Love Jesus and serve Him forever"...my soul desire!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Saturday, October 4, 2008

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Royal Road of the Holy Cross (Part seven)

Drink the chalice of the Lord with affection if you wish to be His friend and to have part with Him. Leave consolation to God; let Him do as most pleases Him. On your part, be ready to bear sufferings and consider them the greatest consolation, for even though you alone were to undergo them all, the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come.

When you shall have come to the point where suffering is sweet and acceptable (don't think I know anyone at this point...I thought acceptance was pretty good) for the sake of Christ, then consider yourself fortunate, for you have found paradise on earth. But as long as suffering irks you and you seek to escape, so long will you be unfortunate, and the tribulation you seek to evade will follow you everywhere. If you put your mind to the things you ought to consider, that is, to suffering and death, you would soon be in a better state and would find peace.

(We must pray for wisdom and the grace to bear through our crosses; no matter what size they are.)

Remember my guest blogger Rachel???

Well she has an awesome site that is a great read!!! I don't expect anything less from this incredible lady and mother of 11!!!

It is especially a great visit if you ever want to start a LITTLE FLOWERS GIRLS CLUB or order materials!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Please pray for little Andrew...

Please pray for this sweet baby boy who is being tested for something "called Long QT syndrome (which can cause sudden death). His EKG at the office showed that he is borderline (and it gets "shorter" when at rest) which the Dr said is a good indication that Andrew most likely does NOT have long Qt syndrome." Let us lift up this family and pray for wisdom and peace.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Potty training...

We are asked frequently how we "potty train" and I simply say...stay home for at least a week... then the parents usually walk away discouraged... Seriously, people are so busy running around that simple things like potty training is rocket science.

It is pretty simple around here...first, make sure your child is ready...good signs are dry at nap and especially when they wake up in the morning dry!!! We let our two year old wear underwear and use a timer every 30 min to remind mom...then when it dings we go try...if they go, they get a treat...(usually whatever candy I have) most likely m&m's...then we keep trying...if we go out, I use rubber pants over the underwear. If they don't make it to the potty...no biggy...we just do alot of changing of clothes...of course summer is easier when they can just run around in underwear.

Someone gave these to me and they are great!!! We usually wear ones like these but never payed these prices, people gave them to us...and we just keep passing them from kid to kid.

This site as well as many other's have some interesting advice.

Thy Will Be Done!!!+JMJ+

Preaparing for Advent...

JESSE TREE IDEAS...

I will be updating as I find more...there are tons!!! Have any favorites???

Let us start with this one!!!
This has Advent ideas...